Ethical issues in decision-making and the development of biobanks in Greece
Abstract
Biobanks have emerged as a critical infrastructure for the advancement of biomedical research in recent decades. In this article, we attempt to examine the ethical issues associated with their operation in a twofold manner. In the first part, we present the ethical issues surrounding the development and functioning of biobanks by reviewing the relevant literature. We then analyse how these ethical issues are addressed in regulatory texts, focusing particularly on the recent opinion of the Greek National Commission for Bioethics and Technoethics, as well as the opinion of the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies. In the second part, we turn our attention to the views of professionals directly involved in biobanks in Greece. Through an empirical study of biobanks’ operation, we focus on the experiences and perspectives of professionals in the field concerning the ethical and regulatory challenges they face in their daily practice. Our study is based on archival material and interviews with professionals working in Greek biobanks. In doing so, we highlight their own positions as stakeholders in the ongoing debate. We argue that this approach is essential for bringing to light the ethical and social issues faced by biobank professionals—issues that are often overlooked in related discussions.
Article Details
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Foka-Kavalieraki, Y., & Vlantoni Κ. (2026). Ethical issues in decision-making and the development of biobanks in Greece. Bioethica, 12(1), 52–65. https://doi.org/10.12681/bioeth.45068
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